English

Abstract

Osteoarthritis (OA) is characterized by low grade inflammation leading to progressive degenerative changes in articular cartilage (Morenko et al., 2004). Joint mobility is reduced owing to pain and swelling of affected area. Severity of OA depends on type of inducer that may be chemical, enzymatic or surgical. Cartilage metabolic disturbances lead to destabilization and degeneration. Clinical manifestations of OA include softening, fibrillation, ulceration, sclerosis, bone eburnation, osteophytes and sub-chondral cysts formation (Fernihough et al., 2004). Pain leading to joint immobilization is prominent manifestation of this chronic malady (Khan et al., 2012). Initially, soft swelling can be observed on affected joints which later on subside with the progression of diseases. Crackling sounds from affected joints during walking and standing (Brandt et al., 2009). Mostly, treatment of OA is done focusing the symptom of pain and joint dysfunction (Flood, 2010). Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), opiates, corticosteroids and nutraceuticals are conventional therapeutics for OA (Sofat et al., 2011). Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) are long un-branched polysaccharides of repeating disaccharide units abundantly present in connective tissues, vitreous humor, synovial fluid, mast cells and predominately in cartilages. The major constituents are chondroitin sulphate, dermatan sulphate, heparin/heparansulphate, glucosamine and hyaluronic acid. Among these, glucosamine sulphate (GS) and chondroitin sulphate (CS) are more effective and safe therapeutic agents for OA (Miller and Clegg, 2010). CS and GS stimulate chondrocyte synthesis of collagen (Adams et al., 2013). Concurrent use of CS and GS increase synthesis of cartilage matrix and decrease progression of OA which ultimately reduces signs and symptoms of disease. In present study, efficacy of glycosaminoglycans on clinical signs of osteoarthritis and C-terminal telopeptides of type II collagen (CTX-II) was evaluated in papain induced OA albino rat model.